Modular shoring assembly with length adjustable support

The present invention relates generally to the field of modular shoring for use in structural support applications, and more particularly to a modular shoring assembly with length adjustable support.

Shoring structures are used in various situations where temporary support is required. For example, shoring structures are commonly used in building construction to provide support for building structures and to allow workers access to areas above ground level.

Many of the prior art shoring systems and assembly techniques for such systems are not well-suited for so-called “flying form” structures familiar to those skilled in the art. These flying form structures are typically used when pouring concrete floors. A wet concrete floor is poured and is supported by the shoring structure until the wet concrete cures. Once the wet concrete has cured, the shoring structure beneath the floor can be removed, “flown” above the newly cured first floor, and positioned for a second floor to be poured above the first. A shoring support whose height may be quickly decreased and quickly restored can be easily transferred from beneath a concrete floor to a position above that same floor.

In addition, many prior art shoring systems lack versatility, as they cannot be assembled and disassembled quickly and conveniently. Shoring systems typically comprise vertical supports, such as elongate posts, and horizontal supports, such as support braces, at a minimum. These vertical and horizontal supports must be attached together firmly and securely to provide adequate structural support.

Therefore a need exists for a shoring system that can be easily modified in height to allow for it to be conveniently used in a “flying form” structure. In addition, a need exists for a shoring system that is versatile, and in which vertical and horizontal supports can be easily connected and disconnected from one another.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the preferred embodiments thereof.

In one aspect of the there is a length-adjustable support, the support having a first elongate member and a second elongate member for telescopic sliding engagement with the first elongate member, the said members being movable relative to each other from a collapsed position to an extended position, with one of said members providing a first slot therein in a longitudinal direction thereof that is in communication with a second slot therein transversely disposed thereto, and with another of said members providing a third slot therein in registry with the second slot when the first and second members are in telescopic sliding engagement and in the said extended position, the support having a pin locatable within the said first and second slots and within the said third slot for relative movement with the first and second members, wherein locating of the pin within the second and third slots and outside of the first slot maintains the first and second members in the said extended position thereof and locating of the pin within the first slot enables the first and second members to move from said extended position to said collapsed position.

In another aspect of the invention, there is a length-adjustable support, the support having a first elongate member, a second elongate member, and a third elongate member, each for telescopic sliding engagement with the other said members, the said members being movable relative to each other from a collapsed position to an extended position with one of said members providing a first slot therein in a longitudinal direction thereof that is in communication with a second slot therein transversely disposed thereto, and with another of said members providing a third slot therein, and with another of said members providing a fourth slot therein in a longitudinal direction thereof that is in communication with a fifth slot therein transversely disposed thereto and in communication therewith and also providing a sixth slot therein, such that the third slot is in registry with the fifth slot when the second and third members are in telescopic sliding engagement and in the said extended position, and the second slot is in registry with the sixth slot when the first and third members are in telescopic sliding engagement and in the said extended position, the support having a pin locatable within the said first and second slots and within the said sixth slot for relative movement with the first and third members, wherein locating of the pin within the second and sixth slots and outside of the first slot maintains the first and third members in the said extended position thereof and locating of the pin within the first slot enables the first and third members to move from said extended position to said collapsed position, the support also having a pin locatable within the said fourth and fifth slots and within the said third slot for relative movement with the third and second members, wherein locating of the pin within the third and fifth slots and outside of the fourth slot maintains the third and second members in the said extended position thereof and locating of the pin within the fourth slot enables the third and second members to move from said extended position to said collapsed position.

In another aspect of the invention, a support comprises a means for attachment to a support beam.

In another aspect of the invention, the means for attachment is a horizontally disposed member for latching with a support beam.

In another aspect of the invention, a support comprises a horizontally disposed member which is supported by at least two vertically disposed support arms.

In another aspect of the invention, the support beam further comprises a notch having a least one edge and a mouth.

In another aspect of the invention at least one edge of the notch of the support beam is disposed at an angle that is not perpendicular to the length of the support beam.

In another aspect of the invention, the support further comprises a first attachment plate and a second attachment plate at the ends of the support beam.

In another aspect of the invention, at the least the first attachment plate or the second attachment plate comprise at least holes or notches.

In another aspect of the invention, a support may be attached to an elongate post.

In another aspect of the invention, a support further comprises a collar that surrounds both support members, said collar comprising diametrically opposed apertures through which the pin of the support member may be inserted.

In another aspect of the invention, where the support comprises two pins, there may be two collars comprising apertures such that each collar comprises a pair of apertures that may accommodate one pin.

In yet another aspect of the invention, there is a support beam comprising a notch having at least one edge and a mouth, said notch being operable with a connection means for supporting said support beam.

In yet another aspect of the invention, at least one edge of the notch in the support beam is disposed relative to the support beam at an angle other than perpendicular to the length of the support beam.